In this episode, I sit down with Reinhard Weiss, a principal architect at 3S Architects, who brings a wealth of international experience from working with some of the most respected architectural firms in both Munich and London. Reinhard offers a unique perspective on the relationship between architects and interior designers, and how these two disciplines can collaborate more effectively.
Throughout this conversation, we explore the critical questions that every interior designer should understand:
What is the ideal working relationship between an architect and a designer? When should designers be brought into a project? What are the common friction points, and how can they be proactively managed?
You will gain valuable insights into:
•How international experience shapes architectural perspective and the ethos of leading firms.
•The ideal timing and approach for bringing interior designers into architectural projects.
•Common collaboration challenges between architects and designers, and practical solutions.
•Strategies for emerging interior designers to approach and build relationships with architectural studios.
•Critical technical skills and software standards that strengthen designer-architect partnerships.
•A behind-the-scenes look at 3S Architects' collaborative process with interior designers.
Whether you're an interior designer looking to expand into architectural collaborations or an architect seeking to understand the designer's perspective, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Discover how to bridge the gap between these two disciplines and create seamless, successful projects together.
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the Business for Interior Design Deconstructed online course to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Pricing Formula Template- https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/free-gift/
🎨 Interior Project Management Masterclass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwdWROahXq0&list=PLLm13IwOKjpDc7F6jXsjOdjMp5RhacNbx
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: info@katiemalik.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @interior_design_deconstructed (https://www.instagram.com/interior_design_deconstructed/ ) + @katie_malik_design_studio (https://www.instagram.com/katie_malik_design_studio/ ) 🌎
Website: interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk
Connect with Reinhard & 3S Architects:
🌐 Website: https://3s-ad.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3s_architects/?hl=en
Calling all interior designers! Episode 12 of Interior Design Deconstructed is here, and it's a must-listen for anyone looking to build a thriving design business.
This week, we're joined by the incredible Lee, who shares his expert advice on everything from making those crucial early decisions to scaling your team. If you're ready to move from creative to CEO, this episode is for you!
In this episode, we dive into:
•The 'Decide' Phase: Are you an aspiring designer stuck on niching down, pricing, or officially launching? Lee shares his tips for gaining the clarity and courage to take action.
•Building a Sales Pipeline: Intimidated by the idea of a sales pipeline? Lee breaks down his five-step methodology for building a client base from scratch.
•From 'Creative' to 'CEO': Discover the mindset shifts and daily actions you need to become the CEO of your design business.
•Hiring and Scaling: As your business grows, so will your team. Learn how to attract and hire the right talent to match your creative vision.
•The 'Profit-Focused' Business: It's not just about revenue; it's about profit. Lee explains how to build a profitable business and when to say 'no' to projects.
•Hiring an Interior Designer: Lee is currently buying a fixer-upper and is about to hire an interior designer. What is he looking for? Get the inside scoop!
Ready to transform your design business? Listen to the full episode now!
Connect with Lee McQueen
Stop guessing and start growing. My Business for Interior Designers Deconstructed course is now available to all designers on a 'pay-what-you-can' basis. Get the business skills you need, at a price that works for you.
In this episode, we welcome Kanika and Shreya, the creative forces behind Office Banao, for a candid conversation about navigating the demanding yet rewarding world of design. They pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a sustainable and inspiring career, sharing practical strategies and hard-won wisdom for designers at every stage of their journey.
Tune in to learn about:
•Fuelling Creativity;
•Balancing Vision and Client Needs;
•The Path to Professionalism;
•Advocating for Your Worth;
Whether you're a student dreaming of your first internship, a young designer navigating the early years of your career, or a seasoned professional looking to reignite your creative spark, this conversation with Kanika and Shreya is filled with actionable advice and super empowering insights.
In this episode, we sit down with a celebrated interior designer who has spent over a decade building a successful, award-winning firm in the heart of Sacramento. From her early days gaining experience under other designers to becoming a Certified Interior Designer at the helm of her own practice, she offers an inside look at the journey of establishing a creative business in a regional market.
Tune in to discover:
•The Blueprint for Success;
•The Philosophy of "Everyday Luxury";
•Mentorship and Education;
•The Business of Design;
•The Leap of Faith;
Whether you're a design student, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the world of interior design, this episode is packed with invaluable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories to help you on your path to success.
Interior Design Deconstructed courses and templates
What if you could end an endless quest for the most optimal marketing channels, cut through the noise and reach your ideal clients?
In this episode of Interior Design Deconstructed, Dr Vanja Ljevar, the co-founder of Kubik Intelligence, shares insights from her research and work of using data to better inform marketing and branding to reach your ideal clients.
Tune in to this episode for tips on marketing, branding and how to better attract ideal clients to your business.
Click on the links below to find more about Dr Vanja Ljevar and Kubik Intelligence:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanja-ljevar/
https://www.kubikintelligence.com/
Explore interior design deconstructed courses below:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/my-library/
In this episode, I sit down with social media strategist Jenna George, founder of The Social Refinery, to explore what it really takes to build a powerful, authentic, and effective presence online—especially for creative professionals like interior designers. Jenna shares the foundational elements of a strong social media strategy, how to consistently generate engaging content, and how to build real community beyond just likes and followers.
We also dive into how service-based businesses can use social media to attract qualified leads, which platforms are worth your time, and the key metrics you should be tracking. Plus, Jenna unpacks the role of personal branding, paid advertising, and common pitfalls to avoid in your digital marketing efforts.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your online presence, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your brand grow with purpose and clarity.
Link to Jenna's website where you can find a lot of resources:
-https://thesocialrefinery.co.uk/
-Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/socialrefinery_jenna/?hl=en
On interior design deconstructed website we have a module devoted specifically to marketing and social media for interior designers, check it out below:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/more-courses/marketing-in-interior-design/
"How can designers overcome the fear of rejection and become super confident?”
This is just one of the game-changing questions I asked confidence and storytelling expert Debbie Bryan in episode 7 of Interior Design Deconstructed.
Debbie Bryan is an award-winning speaker and visibility strategist, featured by the House of Lords, TEDx, and brands like L’Oréal for her powerful work helping entrepreneurs turn adversity into authority. Known for her no-fluff approach, she’s on a mission to help creatives and leaders be seen, be heard, and get paid for who they really are, not who they think they have to be.
If you'd like to work with Debbie, visit her website:
https://www.debbiebryancoach.co.uk/
If you'd like 1-2-1 or group coaching to help you navigate your interior design business challenges, get in touch with me through the website:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/coaching-reviews/
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Matteo Bianchi, the visionary founder of Matteo Bianchi Studio and Daruma Design — a globally recognised interior design practice with over 150 successful projects across the world.
Matteo takes us on a journey through the early days of launching his studio and shares how his passion for interiors organically expanded into the world of product design, resulting in a striking range of furniture, lighting, wallpapers, and accessories. We delve into the creative process behind some of his favorite pieces and what makes them truly special to him.
As one of the most celebrated lecturers at Chelsea College of Art, Matteo also opens up about mentoring the next generation of designers. His career tips for aspiring creatives are not only practical but incredibly motivational — a must-hear for anyone looking to break into the design industry.
Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, entrepreneurship, and timeless design thinking.
Daruma Design website: https://www.darumadesign.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darumadesignstudio/
If you'd like to build your interior design business, check my website where you will find a wide variety of materials to support you- courses, coaching, reviews and templates.
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/
In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Kate Greunke, founder of The Socialite Agency, to dive deep into authentic and sustainable marketing strategies for creative entrepreneurs—especially those just starting out in the interior design industry.
Kate shares her journey of launching The Socialite Agency and the mission behind it, as well as the bold decision to delete her business's social media accounts in favour of focusing entirely on email marketing. She opens up about why email is such a powerful tool, how it drives real connection and results, and why it’s absolutely worth your time.
We also explore the world of lead magnets—what they are, why they matter, and how to create one that actually converts. For our audience of aspiring interior designers, Kate offers practical, no-fluff marketing advice, along with some common traps to avoid when building your brand.
Whether you're social-media-weary or just starting to craft your marketing plan, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss.
Learn more about the Socialite Agency: https://www.katethesocialite.com/
Love what you’re hearing? This episode is part of Interior Design Deconstructed—the podcast where we peel back the curtain on the business of design. Visit www.interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk to explore my best resources.
Want to dive even deeper into marketing? Check out our dedicated Marketing Module—created specifically for interior designers. Learn how to master social media, email marketing, ideal client strategies, and more. All available now on the website.
Please give a warm welcome to Gail Doby, co-founder of Pearl Collective, business strategist, profitability powerhouse, and the author behind Business Breakthrough.
With 20 years of experience running her own design firm — and degrees in Finance, Banking, and Interior Design — Gail helps design businesses boost profitability (sometimes by over 500%!) through systems, strategy, and smart decision-making.
In this episode, Gail shares why systems are the often-overlooked backbone of any successful creative business, especially in the interior design world where passion can sometimes overtake process. We dive deep into the biggest challenges designers face, the importance of defining your business model from the very beginning, and why mindset might just matter more than strategy.
We also explore:
-The power of systems and structure in a creative business
-Common roadblocks designers hit (and how to move past them)
- How mindset can shape — or stall — your success
-Why knowing your ideal client is a non-negotiable
- Whether building a team is the right move for you
Whether you’re a solo designer or growing a full-scale firm, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you to build a business with intention — and profit.
🎧 Tune in now and start designing your business breakthrough.
Find more about Pearl Collective: https://thepearlcollective.com/
If you're an emerging interior designer, you can find out more about how to build your business here:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/
Join Katie Malik and Salimah Mamdani in conversation about how to become a fully booked designer!
Salimah, the founder of a Fully Booked Designer shared her insights and strategies on how to start running a profitable business and attract ideal clients.
Salimah is bringing her design industry experience along with strategic marketing and leadership expertise to interior designers, so they can scale their business quickly and sanely with proven strategies and a team of coaches to support them.
Designers, don't miss this one.
Find out more about Fully Booked Designer here: https://www.fullybookeddesigner.com/
If you're an emerging interior designer, learn more about how you can start building your business here:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/
In this episode, I’m joined by Cinzia Moretti, co-founder of Moretti Interior Design and Business & Interiors. Cinzia shares her inspiring journey—from launching her own interior design business to co-founding Business & Interiors.
We dive into what it takes to expand your interior design business internationally, the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face when starting and running their own interior design studios, and practical strategies to overcome them. Cinzia also reveals the power of defining your ideal client and what a signature service truly means.
Tune in and let us know your thoughts in the comments
If you're looking to join a thriving community support network, check Business & Interiors instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/businessandinteriors/
To see Cinzia's work, visit:
https://morettiinteriordesign.com/about-us/
To learn how to structure and market your business effectively, check out my course:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/my-library/
Join Katie Malik and Christopher Clowes in conversation about digital marketing strategies. Learn how:
- a small design firm or independent interior designers compete with larger firms using digital marketing;
- interior designers can improve their website's SEO to attract more clients organically;
-the top three elements of a high-converting interior design website;
-to use articles and blogs for an interior design business;
-to avoid some common mistakes interior designers make when running paid ads;
To check HC Media work go to:
https://hcmediagroup.co.uk/
If you're an emerging interior designer, learn how to build your business well right from the start, check:
https://interiordesigndeconstructed.co.uk/